BENGALURU: “It’s a shame that humans are called to clean septic tanks. It shocks one’s conscience. Everyone is a child of God. Why are we getting our brothers to do this job? Is it not a shame on humanity,” the Karnataka high court said on Wednesday, taking note of a recent media report regarding the continued practice of manual scavenging in the state.
It directed registration of a suo motu public interest litigation to give suitable directions on the matter. The HC observed: “…It is disturbing that such a practice is still being continued. The government is not serious.” tnn
A high court division bench comprising Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Krishna S Dixit orally observed, “The inhuman practice of manual scavenging continues despite the ban and Supreme Court’s directives…”
The chief justice expressed anguish that merely by the misfortune of birth in a particular community, people are called to clean the pits. “After more than 70 years (of independence), somebody is still required to do these things,” he asked. Quoting Milton, Justice Krishna S Dixit said the difficulty lies in the mind – the mindset.
The court asked advocate Shridhar Prabhu, who was appointed amicus curiae to assist the court, to prepare a petition by Friday, which should be listed on Monday for consideration.
It directed registration of a suo motu public interest litigation to give suitable directions on the matter. The HC observed: “…It is disturbing that such a practice is still being continued. The government is not serious.” tnn
A high court division bench comprising Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Krishna S Dixit orally observed, “The inhuman practice of manual scavenging continues despite the ban and Supreme Court’s directives…”
The chief justice expressed anguish that merely by the misfortune of birth in a particular community, people are called to clean the pits. “After more than 70 years (of independence), somebody is still required to do these things,” he asked. Quoting Milton, Justice Krishna S Dixit said the difficulty lies in the mind – the mindset.
The court asked advocate Shridhar Prabhu, who was appointed amicus curiae to assist the court, to prepare a petition by Friday, which should be listed on Monday for consideration.